FBLA Training

Members from Future Business Leaders of America groups all over Oregon came to Cleveland Sept. 25 for an afternoon training session about FBLA.

More than 50 students came from eight high schools, including Canby, Silverton, Stayton, Silverton, Tualatin, St. Helen’s, Madras, and Neah Kah Nie. Five state officers, as well as Cleveland member and FBLA President Kelson Newsome led workshops involving mainly fundraising, recruiting, opportunities for involvement, and organizing the chapter. Cleveland’s FBLA club provided the attendees pizza as well.



New PPS Superintendent

Portland Public Schools introduced a new member to the team Oct. 1: Carole Smith, the new superintendent.

Known for her leadership, Smith brings 30 years of education experience in the field, including 25 with PPS. A graduate of Harvard University’s Graduate School in Education, Smith also worked as the director of Open Meadow Schools in Portland from 1982-2005, a non-profit alternative education program for students associated with PPS middle and high schools.

Initially, Smith was “recruited” to head the Office of Educational Options in 2005, moved over to be the interim leader of the Office of Student, Family and School Support, then was raised to Chief of Staff in 2006.

“I look forward to working with our board and incredible team of principals, teachers, staff, and senior leaders to provide a high quality education for every student,” said Smith. Her plan of attack for the next 100 days is to listen to all involved in Portland Public Schools to change the problems schools now face.

New Driver Education Program

After the initial thoughts of the Portland Public School driver education program shutting down, PPS and Portland Community College will merge to make a new program for students.

The combining of the two schools will not only offer more classes, it will also offer more relief to school district costs. The new course, designed and offered to teenagers ages 15-18, will now be available at five high schools. This includes classes at Lincoln, Grant, and Wilson, which started on Sept. 24, and the two PCC classes starting on Sept. 29.

The course, involving 30 hours of in-class learning plus six hours in both behind the wheel training and observation, has been approved by the state Department of Transportation. The cost is currently $249.